Yogi government sets an example in women’s empowerment and welfare

Lucknow : In a significant push toward women’s welfare, safety, and empowerment, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has implemented a series of transformative initiatives over the past eight years. From ensuring dignity and security to fostering self-reliance, the administration has taken historic strides to uplift half the population.

The recently announced 2025-26 state budget further underscores this commitment, introducing new provisions for women’s education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. With these initiatives, the Yogi government is not only accelerating Uttar Pradesh’s progress but also setting a national precedent in women’s empowerment.

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), the Yogi government has successfully built 9 lakh individual toilets and over 69,000 community and public toilets, making all urban areas Open Defecation Free (ODF). To ensure women’s safety, hygiene and convenience, 1,100 pink toilets have been constructed across various blocks.

To support education for girls from underprivileged backgrounds, 680 Kasturba Gandhi Girls’ Schools have been upgraded, offering free residential education up to Class 12. Under the Marriage Grant Scheme, Rs 200 crore was allocated for FY 2024-25, benefiting 58,594 women by December 2024. Additionally, the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana has empowered over 22.11 lakh girls, making them self-reliant.

Women’s financial security has also improved under the Nirashrit Mahila Pension Yojana, with the number of beneficiaries rising from 17 lakh in 2016-17 to 34 lakh in 2023-24. Each woman receives a monthly pension of Rs 1,000. Furthermore, the Supplementary Nutrition Program has improved the lives of 2.12 crore beneficiaries, ensuring proper nutrition for children (aged 6 months to 6 years) and pregnant/lactating women.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, beneficiaries are now receiving two free LPG cylinder refills per year (2024-25), easing household burdens for women. Since 2017, over 1.2 crore women have benefited from free bus travel on Raksha Bandhan. Additionally, under the Lakhpati Mahila Yojana, 31 lakh women have been identified, with over 2 lakh already becoming lakhpatis.

Similarly, initiatives like Mission Shakti 5.0, Operation Garuda, and Operation Shield are actively running, ensuring a secure environment and stronger societal status for women and girls.

Special announcements for women in budget 2025-26

The newly proposed budget introduces several schemes for women’s welfare, including:

• A provision of Rs 400 crore has been made under the Rani Lakshmi Bai Scooty Yojana to provide scooties to meritorious female students.
• The financial assistance under the Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana is proposed to be increased from Rs 51,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
• Additional grants will be provided for widow remarriage and their daughters’ weddings.
• Rs 971 crore has been proposed as an additional honorarium for Anganwadi workers and assistants.
• Hostels for working women will be built in seven districts.